Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Diet: What can I eat?

You can raise your GFR.
You are correct that there is no cure, however, there are solutions.
I found out I had Kidney Disease by accident, and the nephrologist was not interested in offering guidance or suggestions. - my GFR was 50. On my own, I fought my way to the hospital nutritionist. However, I am not sure she is a kidney nutritionist. What I have done has been on my own. Apparently, being in Stage 3 when you are older, means you won't reach dialysis so you are on your own.

Nine months later, my GFR is 65-69. I have progressed from State 3 or b, to Stage 2.

This is because I began to self educate and I changed my diet. Alone in a virtual ocean of information, you can still figure out the proper course to take, and by comparing and analyzing the help out there, you can take giant strides in kidney management.

It is all about diet and that is how you will slow down, stop or reverse your condition. I have been a vegetarian for 20 years, so the meat was not an issue. The big four you need to consider are meat, dairy, salt, and sugar. There is a lot of help and guidance online, and by studying various diet advice and kidney-friendly help, you can become very well informed and begin to work on raising your GFR.

I have read Lee Hull's book and visited his website. Among his testimonials at his site, his dietitian claimed that with his program and Albutrix that dialysis can be prevented for up to a year. This means from 2 weeks, 2 months, or even 12 months, this program will help you be free of dialysis or a short term solution. If you can show me through scientific medical evidence from any leading kidney health organizations that Albutrix works for the long term, then he should be applauded for his work. At $200/month for his Albutrix, this is a steep price to pay for a short term solution. I love the science, but unfortunately. could not find the research for Albutrix use by a recognized kidney organization. I truly hope you succeed with his program and Albutrix.

@collegeprof Your description of kidney disease is "right on", as us oldsters would say! I first became aware of my kidney disease as early as 2006, when my primary care doctor at that time mentioned it. I began a very long search for information, but did not have any typical contributing factors. Being my own health advocate since 1988 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmmune disease called Systemic Lupus, I recalled hearing a doctor tell me in 1999 there might be kidney involvement. Everything was like molasses in January, moving slowly along. My chronic kidney disease is due to a very rare autoimmune condition [less than 50 in world ever diagnosed with it!] diagnosed in 2015, but showing on tests as early as 1999, when the condition was first recognized in 1996!

Fast forward to now, and I will tell you that similar to you, I have watched podcasts, read numerous articles, and done my research to answer my own questions and gain education. What is so great about Mayo Clinic Connect, is that we can share with other people, what has worked for us, or not worked. Everyone is different, and each patient has their own take on health. I am now Stage 5, and will start dialysis soon. It has been 16 years since I heard CKD from my doctor. But, because I decided to be proactive and follow what was for me, the best course of action, I have delayed dialysis for many years. It was the result of lifestyle changes, diet changes [following a renal diet way before anyone suggested it], and monitoring my lab numbers, watching the trends.

My apologies for this long response. Education is self-empowerment. Be an active, engaged patient. Have dialogues with your medical team. Truly, it makes a difference.
Ginger

Nice to hear back from you--------Most everyone who checks this out says much the same thing--that is this is not really "proven". When I first started W/Albutrix, I experimented with amounts per/day---settled on 2 tablets per/out of 180ct. Wasn't sure if this amount did much of antyhing for me----ran out about 10 days ago[ @ 2-per] in 2 days, I found myself really missing the "energy"It was providing me. I know this is kind of "playing around"--but--aren't we all? This seems to work for me, amounts to 3 months supply for the $200.00. AS to adding a year B-4 dialysis---the program actually aims for 18 to 24 months--then adding more non-diet foods!. I'll keep going and keep you posted--ps. I'm 84 yrs. old---Again, nice to "talk" W/you---DPG

I've had Stage 3 CKD for about 7 years now and my numbers are good. However, I'm having trouble getting in enough calories. I monitor sodium and potassium very closely, and when the calories go up, both of those go up as well. I'm wondering if I'm being too rigid. There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to Stage 3 and I've been unable to nail down exactly how much potassium I should limit myself to on a daily basis. Any help would be appreciated.

I've had Stage 3 CKD for about 7 years now and my numbers are good. However, I'm having trouble getting in enough calories. I monitor sodium and potassium very closely, and when the calories go up, both of those go up as well. I'm wondering if I'm being too rigid. There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to Stage 3 and I've been unable to nail down exactly how much potassium I should limit myself to on a daily basis. Any help would be appreciated.

I've had Stage 3 CKD for about 7 years now and my numbers are good. However, I'm having trouble getting in enough calories. I monitor sodium and potassium very closely, and when the calories go up, both of those go up as well. I'm wondering if I'm being too rigid. There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to Stage 3 and I've been unable to nail down exactly how much potassium I should limit myself to on a daily basis. Any help would be appreciated.